Brutes - 5 years as an Altaholic


Smurch

 

Posted

After playing every Archetype and about 200+ toons later,
some only to level 20, others past 40, I would like to share
some observations and perhaps save someone else the
time it took me to learn some of these interesting builds.

I'm not going into great detail. There is lots of information
on most of the archetypes in the forums. I'm just going
to mention a few types I found to work real well and why,
and a pointer or two in the build.

All primary and secondary powers in the hands of a good
player can work well, BUT there are some power combinations
that work better. It is usually because the primary and secondaries
work better together, they have a certain synergy. A good example
would be the power RAIN OF FIRE combined with TAR PATCH.
Tar patch not only slows down the enemies but also has a damage
resistance debuff, increasing the fires damage. This game has many
such synergies and I have spent years experimenting with them.
All Archetypes have them and they are there to discover.
Here are a couple of the best:

Dark/Willpower (Super Survivability)
This brute has incredible survivability due to it's
multiple heals and low but balanced damage resistance
and defence. All the endurance you'll ever need due
to QUICK RECOVERY, especially if you take STAMINA
from the power pool as well.
TIP: Slot SIPHON LIFE with 3 accuracy and 3 recharge.
This gives you the maximum benefit of this power for heals vs damage.
The damage is so good for this power it is a shame to slot for just
heal.
TIP2: Use SOUL DRAIN and DARK CONSUMPTION for your AoE
damage. Once your rage is higher, use SD followed by DC to take
all those around you. Great for getting out of tight spots when overrun.

Dark/Electric (Tough with AoE)
A hard to kill brute due to higher damage resistance armour and
2 healing powers. Good AoE powers.
LIGHTNING REFLEXES makes all of your powers recharge
faster (including your heal - ENERGIZE). In essence, a 20% faster attack means 20%
more damage over time.
TIP: Slot SIPHON LIFE with 3 accuracy and 3 recharge.
This gives you the maximum benefit of this power for heals vs damage.
The damage is so good for this power it is a shame to slot for just
heal.
TIP2: Use SOUL DRAIN and DARK CONSUMPTION for your AoE
damage. Once your rage is higher, use SD followed by DC to take
all those around you. Great for getting out of tight spots when overrun.


 

Posted

Alright, dark melee is a nice set.

At the same time, in some situations, I would actually suggest that SS is superior to DM for survival, as AoE KD can be incredibly effective at preventing damage that would otherwise limit the healing of a decently-slotted siphon life.

Have you played any other interesting combos?


 

Posted

My appologies for this post.
I will post more tactfully and minimully in future.


 

Posted

I like threads like this. Being dormant in the game for a long time, when I come back it's handy to see posts like this, ideally updated ones reflecting new sets or changes.

I'd like to see even more of the "more synergetic" Brute combos


 

Posted

I find Axe/WP very synergistic. Quick Recovery helps with the END heaviness of Axe, and the AOEs and KD of Axe stacks nicely with Rise to the Challenge, making it so you're at your peak surrounded by foes, and your sweeping strikes knock down a dozen of them at once. Your regen is high enough that unless your foes kill you before you take any of them out, they quickly will no longer be able to hurt you.

You can stack the bodies of your enemies at your feet like cords of wood. So much fun.


Quote:
Originally Posted by eltonio View Post
This is over the top mental slavery.